Question

1. What are the risks of falls, fires, and electrical burns in the hospital and home environment?

2. Discuss 2 ways to prevent the spread of infection in a health care facility.

3. What is the most common Health Acquired Infection (HAI) and what bacterial organism is most commonly responsible?

4. How can HAI's be prevented? Discuss at least 2 nursing interventions.

Answer 1

1. Falls- falls are cause of accidental deaths. Mostly older people have greater risk of death due to falls and another risk group is childrens. Risk factors of falls includes-

• If person is working at elevated height at construction site without using safety measures he may fall and cause death also.
• Alcohol or effect of medication due to which loss of balance may occur which leads to fall.
• Underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, neurological or cardiac disorders especially in older people may lead to fall.

Fire-

• Accumulation of dust in ventilation equipment is common cause of fire at hospital and home.
• Smoking is also cause of fire. Disposal of cigarettes near flammable equipment can cause fire.
• Leakage in cylinder may cause fire in hospital and home.

Electrical burns- electrical appliances or wiring injuries may occur when-

• Faulty electrical appliance
• Working with electrical appliances without proper knowledge and training.
• An occupation with exposure to electric current.

2. Use of gloves, mask and proper disposal of it may prevent spread of infection. Disinfect the surgical instruments, machines and floor. Wash hands continuously. Educate the patients against the spread of infection.

3.Most common HAI are-

• Urinary tract infection due to catheter.
• Pneumonia
• Surgical site infections.
• Gastrointestinal infections.   

Most common bacteria responsible for HAI are- Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Burkholderia cepacia.

4. Preventive measures of HAI includes-

Fallow the infection control procedures and policies. Disinfection of healthcare environment. Use of standard sterile techniques. Correct and frequent hand hygiene measures to be fallowed by all staff members and patients.

Nursing interventions includes-

Use of aseptic techniques, Proper cleaning and disinfection practices,Use of standard precautions. Patient education etc.